The chapter ends with a soliloquy by the current editor, Mr. trouser belt, in which he laments the fact that he has not been able to return on time. He laments that most of the plants in the area have been trampled by the herbivores, and he is certain that he is in danger. He wonders if the plants have evolved the ability to obtain nutrients for themselves, and wonders if this is what the men do for their jobs. He tells them to hurry and save him, as he is about to suffocate. He wants to get back as quickly as possible, and asks them to finish the work together.